Lockport Zoning Code More Business-Friendly
Recent amendments by the Lockport Town Board to the local Lockport Zoning Code will result in fewer restrictions for businesses locating and expanding in the Town of Lockport.
The most significant changes to the Zoning Code affect the Commercial Corridor Overlay District (CCOD). The District was originally enacted in 2003 to upgrade the design and appearance of Lockport's Transit Road Business Corridor; the CCOD regulations are in addition to the existing Zoning Code guidelines.
As of May 6, the Town has reduced the area of the Commercial Corridor Overlay District from a 1,000 foot setback from Transit Road to 500 feet; in addition, the geographic limits have been reduced from Raymond Road to Old Beattie Road on the east side of Transit Road. The provisions of the Commercial Corridor Overlay District encourage the incorporation of aesthetic elements, including landscaping, minimum lot area and coverage, open space, building setback, building height, parking and traffic access. However, waivers may be available when the regulations cannot be reasonably complied with.
Other highlights of the changes to the Zoning Code are:
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Repeal of the Vehicle Sales Overlay District; this regulation was enacted prior to the CCOD. It is no longer necessary and was repealed to avoid duplication and confusion;
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Authority to the Planning Board to waive the requirement for Site Plan Approval in cases where a simple re-use of an existing building or insignificant site modification is sought by an owner/user;
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Modification of parking requirements to enable the Planning Board to make individual site determinations regarding the amount of parking to be required.
Additional information regarding the Town of Lockport Zoning Code and land use regulations affecting business development may be obtained from the Town of Lockport Building Inspection Department, www.elockport.com/town-building-department.php
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